How will prices compare? NY Diamond District vs. Pricescope?

[monumentman]

Hello,

I might be typical, might not be! I''m an incredibly busy guy who is dating the most amazing woman, and I''ve finally got a little time during the holidays to propose!!! I have a decent idea of what kind of stone I am looking for, and am frankly very rushed to buy the stone. We are heading home to visit her family on Monday and I plan to propose during our trip. That gives me only a few days to do this, so here''s the deal....

I''m in NYC. We have the Diamond District here and I''ve been told I can expect good prices. I, however, am one of these guys who does tons of research online and would frankly prefer to avoid a huge haggling situation.

Saying that, does anybody here know what kind of prices to expect at the NYC Diamond District, compared to what I find on pricescope? I''d prefer to buy the stone in person, locally. I''m also a graduate student right now so cash is very tight!

Thanks to all for the prompt responses! When it does happen I''ll be sure to let you all know how it goes.

 

[beach]

Your money will go much further online. You will also get honest advice here as opposed to the salesman in the diamond district who will give you good prices on often times crappy stones.... Remember all stones look good in the store so don't be fooled. It is not really good to rush into something like this but if that is not an option, post your budget here and we will recommend stones galore.... Also, online vendors have very nice upgrade polices to so if you screw up at least you can upgrade!

 

[Moh 10]

The visibility of prices at Internet vendors is to your advantage.
At B&M jewelers (whether at the NY diamond district or a mall in Montana) your knowledge and negotiating skill determine how low you can get the final price.

PS vendors determine price partially based on what the other Internet competitors list.
It is all visible.
If they price their stones too high they won't sell.
This works in our favor.

At a B&M the final lowest price that is possible is a secret.
The price on the tag is just a starting point they hope you will just pay.
They extract as much money from each customer as possible.
Smart ones pay less but the others pay more, just like when buying a car or real estate.
This is not evil; it is just business when it comes to expensive items.

I prefer the Internet model.
It results in a fair price to every customer.
You don't have to worry if you got ripped off compared to the last customer who bought a similar diamond from that seller.

 

[monumentman]

thanks guys!

let''s say that my budget is $12,000. can you guys suggest some stones?

i''ve been looking at goodoldgold and engagementringsdirect.com and i know its not in vogue here, but yes, size is important! and i dont know if the prices quoted online are negotiable or if those are the real deal prices

looking for a round stone set in a simple "tiffany" style platinum band, which is her preference. one major problem: she doesn''t really wear rings and i don''t know her size. nobody does. she has one ring but she doesn''t wear it on her ring finger, and i worry about buying online since there''s a 95% chance we will need a new setting.

the other problem, of course, is that i''m leaving for the trip soon. i suppose i could have the diamond sent to our "away" address. do you suggest buying the full up ring or just ordering the diamond and having it set locally?

 

[Moh 10]

What color and clarity do you want?

The diamond can come with a free ring-clip to propose with.
Tell her she can select the setting.

Having it set locally can cause problems.
They may not insure the stone if it chips when setting it.

I'd get it set by the diamond seller.

 

[strmrdr]

Call first then hop on the train and go visit GOG
www.goodoldgold.com
gog's wire price is pretty much the bottom line price.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/18/2008 11:26:05 AM
Author:monumentman
Hello,

I might be typical, might not be! I'm an incredibly busy guy who is dating the most amazing woman, and I've finally got a little time during the holidays to propose!!! I have a decent idea of what kind of stone I am looking for, and am frankly very rushed to buy the stone. We are heading home to visit her family on Monday and I plan to propose during our trip. That gives me only a few days to do this, so here's the deal....

I'm in NYC. We have the Diamond District here and I've been told I can expect good prices. I, however, am one of these guys who does tons of research online and would frankly prefer to avoid a huge haggling situation.

Saying that, does anybody here know what kind of prices to expect at the NYC Diamond District, compared to what I find on pricescope? I'd prefer to buy the stone in person, locally. I'm also a graduate student right now so cash is very tight!

Thanks to all for the prompt responses! When it does happen I'll be sure to let you all know how it goes.

Welcome!

I would suggest checking out these vendors as you have done, plus -

www.engagementringsdirect.com

www.exceldiamonds.com

And if you fancy a trip to LI, Jon at www.goodoldgold.com

All of these guys have a good rep and will be able to help you.

 

[monumentman]

i'm targeting G color, SI1 clarity.

train to GOG sounds great, but alas, no time! seriously.

i'm living one of these 7am to 2am solid work lifestyles right now and even hopping to midtown means i get zero sleep tonight!

i should add that the last time i bought a stone it cost around $5k i believe for a 1.45ct G VS1 (can't remember cut but it was ok) and now i'm having trouble swallowing the online prices for 1.75 carat stones with g, si1, etc. i suppose the difference in price is cut?

 

[Moh 10]

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4974/

Here is a fantastic 1.3 carat G SI1 well below your budget.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/18/2008 11:51:02 AM
Author: monumentman
i''m targeting G color, VS1 clarity.

train to GOG sounds great, but alas, no time! seriously.

i''m living one of these 7am to 2am solid work lifestyles right now and even hopping to midtown means i get zero sleep tonight!

Then I would say Mark at ERD and Excel are your men! Call to make an appointment and tell them what you are looking for so they can have some diamonds ready to show you.

 

[monumentman]

thanks so much guys!

i''m really looking forward to getting a diamond with some real fire! all the suggestions look great so far.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/18/2008 12:11:39 PM
Author: monumentman
thanks so much guys!

i'm really looking forward to getting a diamond with some real fire! all the suggestions look great so far.

Most welcome and keep us posted! A well cut diamond will give you a beautiful display of fire and brilliance, but if fire is your thing then tell the vendor and he might be able to find you a stone which will exhibit a little extra fire for you if the lighting is right!